Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health issue, with its rates steadily climbing in Indonesia and throughout Southeast Asia. Managing chronic conditions like DM is complex and calls for integrated, structured, and patient-focused care, particularly at the primary care level. Understanding the experiences of nurses in this setting is crucial for enhancing health systems. Method: To delve into the lived experiences of nurses and patients managing DM care, a qualitative phenomenological approach was used. In-depth interviews were held with five participants, three nurses and two patients, between August and September 2020. The data was analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method to extract thematic insights. Findings: Three key themes emerged that highlighted the interconnected roles in DM care: (1) Strengthening Governance for Integrated Diabetes Care, which emphasizes the significance of health insurance, referral systems, and facility preparedness; (2) Delivering Person-Centered, Collaborative Care, focusing on interprofessional education, digital communication, home-based services, and the commitment of providers; and (3) Empowering Patients and Fostering Peer Support, and these showcased the importance of peer-led initiatives and social engagement in enhancing treatment adherence, as well as overall well-being. These themes reflected the systemic, professional, and patient-centered dimensions that collectively constituted the quality nursing care conceptual model. Conclusion Integrated diabetes care in Indonesian primary health settings thrived on the collaboration of government policies, community health center services, and patient involvement. The findings underlined the necessity for ongoing intersectoral collaboration and community-based strategies to bolster chronic disease management in resource-limited environments.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Primary Health Care